Review: Alder Forge

Developer – Zine FALOUTI Publisher – Zine FALOUTI Platforms –  PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher Alder Forge, is an adaptive turn-based RPG game that skillfully combines storytelling and combat mechanics, offering a unique and engaging experience. However, it’s important to acknowledge that while it excels in many aspects, it does have its share of shortcomings. One of the game’s standout features is its accessible combat system. The turn-based mechanics strike a balance between depth and ease of use, making it accessible to both newcomers and seasoned RPG players. Each character in your party possesses special skills that can be unlocked through various means, adding a strategic layer to battles. Where the heart of Alder Forge lies however is in its story-driven adventure. Guiding a party of five diverse characters, you’ll traverse a meticulously crafted world filled with villages, cities, landscapes, ancient ruins, and dungeons across three different countries. The narrative takes you on a journey to uncover a dark plot threatening the continent’s long-lasting peace, exploring the complexities of human behavior and morality within the characters you encounter. However as mentioned , Alder Forge is not without its flaws. One notable issue is the occasional lack of clarity in quest objectives. Players might find themselves confused about where to go or what to do next, leading to moments of frustration and potential aimless wandering. Improved quest guidance or a more intuitive quest tracking system could enhance the player experience. Furthermore, while the game’s graphics are serviceable, they lack the visual polish and flair seen in other RPGs of its genre. Some environments and character models could benefit from more attention to detail, which would help in fully immersing players in the world of Ertherya. In conclusion, Alder Forge remains a worthwhile RPG experience despite its flaws. The meticulously crafted game world, filled with enigmas, secrets, and backstories, invites exploration and lore immersion. While quest clarity could be improved, and the visuals could use some extra polish, Alder Forge provides a rewarding journey for those eager to explore its intricacies and embark on the heroic path within its carefully constructed world.

Review: Lempo

Developer – One Trick Entertainment Publisher – PID Games, Gamersky Games Platforms –  PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher (PID Games) As the leaves turn crimson and the nights grow longer, it’s officially spooky season, the perfect time to turn down the lights, cozy up with a pumpkin spice latte, and dive into the chilling world of Lempo. In this psychological horror game, you take on the role of Paul, an ordinary 9-to-5 worker who finds himself lost in a mysterious forest after a long day at the office. Lempo draws inspiration from Finnish mythology, weaving a tale of malevolence and otherworldly terror. Lempo’s premise is intriguing, inviting players to explore the dark and eerie forest of Metsänpeitto. Armed with just a lighter and flashlight, you must navigate through environments filled with hidden items and unravel the mysteries lurking in the shadows. The game successfully captures the essence of being truly lost in a place where rescue seems impossible, echoing the game’s tagline, “Sometimes you get truly lost. That’s when you call someone, and they send rescue people to get you. But what if they can’t find you? What if you are so lost, it is impossible for them to find you.” The incorporation of Finnish mythology into the storyline adds depth and uniqueness to Lempo’s narrative. Metsänpeitto, the dark and fantastic world in which the game is set, is brought to life with a sense of dread and foreboding. The game’s environments and sound design create an immersive psychological nightmare, making you feel as though you’ve truly entered an otherworldly realm. As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter enigmatic souls who may hold the key to your escape, providing essential clues and guidance. While Lempo excels in many aspects, there are a few areas where it could improve. The pacing of the game can be somewhat slow, and the navigation in the forest can be frustrating at times, leading to moments of feeling truly lost, which, while fitting thematically, may test players’ patience. Additionally, some of the puzzles in the game could benefit from clearer instructions or hints, as they can be quite challenging to decipher. Despite these minor drawbacks, Lempo delivers a spine-chilling experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It offers a fresh take on psychological horror, blending Finnish mythology with a nightmarish atmosphere. If you’re a fan of atmospheric horror games that rely on suspense and storytelling rather than combat, Lempo is a game worth exploring this spooky season. Just be prepared to face the unimaginable and confront the mysteries of Metsänpeitto as you strive to find your way back to the safety of the real world.

New PlayStation 5 Bundle featuring Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Announced

Sony looks to have a slightly quiet Holiday season when it comes to new games, but they do have Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 from Insomniac Games coming soon. During the Summer Sony revealed the Spider-Man 2 Special Edition PlayStation 5 Console alongside a DualSense and Plate Covers. Today, Sony announced there will be a new PlayStation 5 Console Bundle featuring Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 which will be available on October 20, 2023, the game’s release date. In the announcement post on social media, the price wasn’t shared yet. In other news, those who are first purchasing a PlayStation 5 console will receive a free game of the customer’s choice for a limited time.

New Location Shooting For Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Appears Online, Scooper Indicates Westopolis For The New Film

Over the course of a few years, the release of Paramount Studios’ Sonic the Hedgehog films have dramatically shifted what is understood for video game film adaptations. And while there are still complaints, and rightfully so, the series is showing to be on a good path for its third film. Already, it is confirmed that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is aiming to release in December 2024 next year. Additionally, there is more under the hood for the greater Sonic the Hedgehog universe. In that, a Knuckles Paramount+ show is also underway which already filmed earlier this year. On top of that, there is whispers of a Tails standalone movie in the works, but information has not materialized since the initial report. All that is left is an update on shooting for actors to return to the set whenever SAG-AFTRA lifts its ongoing strike on Hollywood. Despite the absence of its leading cast, Paramount Studios can still film a good portion for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 with it locations for the CGI segments of the film; which is a large part of these films. User @sgtbilkotim on X uploaded images of the set for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 which you can view below: Which also surprises many is a new scoop from insider @DanielRPK. Speaking to someone familiar on the production, the scooper via his Patreon reveals that the new film is to be set in Westopolis to some extent, thanks @sonicparadise. “They’re filming Sonic 3 in Canary Wharf as a doubling for a city called Westopolis which is the first stage in Shadow the Hedgehog game,” he wrote. For many fans that have watched the 2022 sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 2, those that stuck around for the end credits screen of the film can remember a nod to Sonic Adventure 2 character Shadow the Hedgehog. If this claim comes to fruiting in the complete film will excite many viewing fans. All that remains on wishlists is for the new movie to incorporate vocal tracks from the games to be the ultimate Sonic film. What are you hoping is to be in Sonic the Hedgehog 3? Sonic the Hedgehog 3 releases in theaters on December 20, 2024.

After 25 Million Players, Minecraft Dungeons To Sever Support With Its Latest Update

While Minecraft for over a decade has been viewed as the most grounded title which overthrown the success of Tetris, it was questionable at best on how the series could spin-off onto other projects. Although we saw the release of Minecraft: Story Mode from Telltale Games, a full-on standalone would be another story. But, Minecraft Dungeons proved to be a breath of fresh air when incorporating dungeon crawler gameplay with its established world. Even more, it did plenty for Xbox Cloud Gaming being the catalyst for the platform’s touch screen controls. Additionally, Minecraft Dungeons also reshaped itself when it was confirmed a fully-operable arcade cabinet was also in development. For the title itself, Mojang Studios after delivering its promised post-launch content transitioned to seasonal updates to rotate fresh add-ons to the main game.  In a recent update, it was confirmed that Minecraft Dungeons is to be severing its support come update 1.1.7, the latest blog post reveals. Whilst celebrating a new milestone of 25 million users, it also confirms the update is to be the last client with focus moving onto new projects. The last celebrated achievement for Minecraft Dungeons happened to be 15 million users in 2022. As 1.17 was Minecraft Dungeons’ final update, our team has now moved on to new projects that continue to explore experiences in the Minecraft universe. This means that there are no new features or content updates planned for the game. We do intend to continue bringing new experiences to the Minecraft universe and give our team the freedom to keep exploring the types of games they’re passionate about – just as they did with Dungeons! “Minecraft Dungeons began as a passion project, inspired by our love of classic dungeon crawler games and reimagined as a completely new Minecraft experience. But it was the love of our players that made it grow and thrive, allowing us to continue the adventure and venture further into the Nether, the End, and eventually the mysterious Tower,” Mojang Studios writes. “It exceeded our wildest dreams, and it makes us both proud and grateful for having had the pleasure of building a game together with a community like this one. […] Don’t think for a second this means your adventures are done! There are still plenty of adventures to be had together with your friends; dungeons to spelunk, ancient hunts to conquer, and toppling a Tower whose layout will continue to rotate. “And while the story of Dungeons might have reached its conclusion, our community continues to build their own stories. We are happy that so many new players discover and enjoy the game on a growing range of platforms, and ultimately become part of the Dungeons family of heroes.” Currently, the new release of Mojang Studios is Minecraft Legends which shipped back in April. You can read the full report by heading here. Did you play Minecraft Dungeons during the height of its support? Minecraft Dungeons is available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Source: Mojang Studios

Sony Confirms Trailer Retraction For Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic – Remake Is Due To Licensed Music

One of if not the most-anticipated titles underway from Lucasfilm Games is Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake. Originally, the game was announced back in September 2021 with developer Aspyr attached for the project. And while legacy support if much of Aspyr’s portfolio with other beloved Star Wars projects alongside the incoming Tomb Raider remasters, the same cannot be said for this remake. In that, it was reported that Saber Interactive has taken the reigns for the IP as Aspyr shifted focus to other projects. Internally at Embracer Group, it was noted one project was transitioning talent and it was likely Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake. Aspyr since the announcement was radio silent on progress on the game outside of confirmation on prolonging development with delays for the game. More recently, word broke that the title could be in some deep waters. After Embracer Group also reassuring the development for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake, the new retractions for the trailers appeared to be grave for the title – at least that what was speculated. However, a statement from Sony confirms that the plug was pulled on the trailers was due to the licensed music expiring. “As part of normal business, we delist assets with licensed music when the licenses expire,” a Sony spokesperson relayed to IGN. So it is verified that the decision was not for the short ending of development, but rather to avoid legal repercussions when licensed content expires. Many initially assumed the game was in grave danger which subsequently would be damaging to Sony as it is footing the bill for the game also. But, that is not to say it is a full PlayStation exclusive. In fact, it is confirmed that Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake will also ship on other platforms as well. Likely, the game is a timed exclusive to PlayStation 5. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you hoping to see from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake first? Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – Remake is listed for PlayStation 5. Source: IGN

How to unlock Master Chief in Rainbow Six Siege

Ubisoft and 343 Industries announced another collaboration together this time bringing Master Chief to Rainbow Six Siege. Spartan-117 doesn’t come in as his own operator, but he will be part of the Sledge Elite Set which comes with weapon skins and turns Sledge’s Breaching Hammer into a Banish Gravity Hammer. How do you unlock Master Chief in Rainbow Six Siege? In order to obtain the Master Chief skin in Rainbow Six Siege, go to the shop and you’ll see the Elite Sledge Bundle on the store page featuring Spartan-117. Once you select the bundle you’ll be brought to a page showcasing the entire character showing he he will look in-game before buying it. The only way to unlock Spartan-117 is by purchasing the Sledge Elite Bundle for 2,670 R6 Credits which is the in-game currency for Rainbow Six Siege.

Review: ANONYMOUS;CODE

Developer – Mages Inc. Publisher – Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. Platforms – PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher ANONYMOUS;CODE is a visual novel where cooperation between you, the Player, and Pollon is the key to success. This highly anticipated sequel to the renowned Science Adventure Series, featuring an original narrative crafted by Chiyomaru Shikura of MAGES., adheres faithfully to the series’ hallmark concept of “99% science and 1% fantasy.” With a gripping science fiction suspense storyline that deftly integrates real-world scientific events into its fabric, ANONYMOUS;CODE delivers an immersive experience like no other. Spanning across various forms of media, including novels, manga, anime, and games, the Science Adventure Series has consistently impressed fans with its intricate narratives and mind-bending plots. Games such as CHAOS;HEAD, STEINS;GATE, ROBOTICS;NOTES, and CHAOS;CHILD have delighted players with their intricate narratives, and now ANONYMOUS;CODE emerges as the latest addition to this esteemed lineage. Set in the futuristic backdrop of 2037 Tokyo, the game introduces us to Pollon Takaoka and his best friend Cross Yumikawa, who make their living as professional hackers in a world still reeling from the “Sad Morning” disaster of February 6th, 2036. The narrative kicks into gear when Pollon makes an inexplicable declaration to “elope,” despite being single, and encounters the enigmatic Momo in an unlikely place. This encounter sparks a chain of events as mysterious assailants pursue Momo, thrusting Pollon into a world of danger and intrigue. One of the most notable features of ANONYMOUS;CODE is its groundbreaking inclusion of both English and Japanese voice options. Unlike its predecessors that featured Japanese voices exclusively, this game offers players the choice to immerse themselves in the story with the language they prefer. Spike Chunsoft, Inc. has assembled a stellar cast of voice talent, including Max Mittelman, Anairis Quiñones, and Y. Chang, ensuring that players are treated to a top-tier audio experience. The narrative is layered with complexity as it introduces various intriguing elements, including the genius hacker “Cicada 3301,” who orchestrates a series of challenging “Quests,” the enigmatic “Gai Institute” that reactivates a frozen earth simulation, and the secretive agents of the Vatican’s “Holy Office 513.” Pollon becomes entangled in a web of plots and conspiracies, leading to a pivotal event that has the potential to reshape the world as we know it. At the heart of ANONYMOUS;CODE lies the innovative gameplay concept of “Saving and Loading.” This mechanic emphasizes cooperation between the player and Pollon, where your choices and Pollon’s actions determine the story’s outcome. Advising Pollon on when to Save and Load is key to achieving success, making each playthrough a unique and immersive experience. The “Hacking Trigger Command” system further enhances player engagement by transforming the narrative into an interactive scenario-branching adventure. Instead of following a linear storyline, players must use their judgment and the Hacking Trigger command to guide Pollon in making critical decisions that alter the course of the future. This dynamic approach to storytelling keeps players on the edge of their seats, as every choice they make can have far-reaching consequences. In conclusion, ANONYMOUS;CODE is a thrilling addition to the Science Adventure Series, delivering a captivating narrative filled with mystery, suspense, and a touch of fantasy. With its inclusion of English voice acting and innovative gameplay mechanics, it’s a game that offers both long-time fans of the series and newcomers an unforgettable and immersive experience.